Recent Reviews
I enjoyed a delightful experience at this establishment. I savored a selection of treats, including a black sugar yokan (sweet bean paste confection) with tea from Makurazaki and bamboo, followed by a small serving of ibriga-kko (fermented salted salmon), pickled fuki (butterbur), and a miniature sweet summer orange confection. My companion opted for a cup of sencha (green tea) and a matcha shaved ice dessert. The flavors were exquisite. The tea was expertly prepared before our eyes, and the accompanying tea ceremony etiquette was fascinating. The ambiance was sophisticated and serene, creating a refined atmosphere perfect for adults. It felt as though I had elevated my own status by being in such a place. The staff were equally charming and attentive, reflecting the overall elegance of the establishment.
**Pros:** - The ice cream mochi is absolutely delicious. - Sitting outside on the chairs and eating has a fantastic atmosphere. - The Japanese-style exterior and interior are stylish. - There are many different kinds of tea, all of which are delicious. **Cons:** - The entrance is manual, not automatic, so be careful. - There are so many options to choose from, which can be overwhelming, but it's also a good thing.
I've known this place since the Nishi-Azabu days, and while their lunch was good, the Japanese sweets always felt more about aesthetics than taste. I'd never bought any myself, but my family brought some home. They were incredibly expensive and not delicious at all. It felt like I was being forced to participate in some kind of experiment by a new pastry chef. A high-end confection costing 4,000 yen requires refrigeration and has a shelf life of only four days. But the beautiful packaging warped after just 12 hours in the refrigerator, probably due to dryness. I've asked my family not to buy anything from there again, and if they want Japanese sweets, to go to a regular shop instead. I remember the interior design being done by the same person who designed Takeo Kikuchi's stores, and it's still fantastic. So, if you like that kind of aesthetic, you might enjoy it.
I visited 'HIGASHIYA man' in Marunouchi. The street trees in this area are beautiful. The shop has a space in the back where you can eat in, and they also serve bento boxes. I arrived about 30 minutes early for my reservation, but there were no other customers, and they welcomed me warmly. I sat at a quiet counter seat in the back. First, I was served tea. It was a Kyoto Uji Gyokuro called 'Gokou,' and they had just started adding chrysanthemum flowers to it that day. It's a taste of autumn! The deep, roasted flavor had a hint of chrysanthemum, making for a gentle tea. This tea is served in three rounds. I chose my sweets to enjoy after the meal, and then the bento box arrived. I had the 'Kusa' bento, and my wife had the 'Nori-ben.' The 'Kusa' was a compact size, but the side dishes were arranged in two tiers, packed tightly. It was mainly vegetables, with braised bamboo shoots, simmered carrots with plums, sesame tofu, and grilled soybean meat, among other things. It was a healthy bento without meat or fish, and it came with a rice ball made with three-part-milled brown rice. Each dish was carefully prepared with a gentle flavor. I asked for a light salt seasoning for the Gyokuro, and it was delicious. Of course, there were also sweet treats like walnuts, dried figs, red bean paste, and white mochi. My wife's Nori-ben had a striking black appearance when the lid was opened, completely covered in seaweed. But under the seaweed, there were various side dishes, making it enjoyable as well. The bento was served with a three-year-aged roasted green tea. This was also served in three rounds, allowing you to enjoy the changing flavors. Finally, I finished with the Japanese sweets I had chosen and the third cup of roasted green tea. I chose warabi mochi, and my wife had a chestnut-filled bun. The moist, gentle sweetness of the sweets was very comforting. It was a leisurely lunch that lasted a little over an hour. This is a high-end bento box that might not be suitable for everyday use during a company lunch break, but it allows you to enjoy a relaxing time.
I took out a seasonal persimmon confectionery. It was a delicious combination of dried persimmon and butter. I have only tried this one, so it is difficult to evaluate, but I would like to purchase other products when I visit again. The atmosphere and service in the store were also good.